Balamory’s return leaves fans in tears as they praise the beloved children’s show’s ‘comforting’ reboot and call for ‘Miss Hooley to get a Damehood’

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Many viewers were moved to tears on Monday by the return of Balamory after 20 years, praising the show as a welcome and comforting reboot.

The popular CBeebies show is back with new episodes, and original stars Julie Wilson Nimmo and Andrew Agnew are returning to play their familiar characters.

Following the release of the first part of the new series on BBC iPlayer, many fans expressed their approval, calling it a great revival. A lot of viewers shared that they had enjoyed the original show when they were growing up and were excited to revisit the story.

Beloved characters are returning to the classic children’s show, including Penny Pocket, the cafe and shop owner, played by Kim Tserkezie, 52, and Edie McCredie, the village bus driver, portrayed by Julet Cadzow, 74.

The new series of Balamory will introduce several new characters, including Dr. Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, a 33-year-old actor who will be the village veterinarian.

Fans especially loved Julie, 54, being back as the sweet nursery school teacher Miss Hoolie, and one person even said she should be honored with a damehood.

People shared on X that watching the first episode of the new #Balamory series was a really pleasant and nostalgic experience. They appreciated how it clearly honored the original show, which is something you don’t often see, even beyond children’s television.

‘She is like a warm hug, where’s her damehood;

‘Tuning into CBeebies as we speak at my big age to watch #Balamory;

‘Not me at 53 watching new #Balamory with a wee tear in my eye;

I’ve set an alarm for 4:55 PM so I can watch the new Balamory episode with my older child, who I used to watch it with when they were little. I expect we’ll both be emotional seeing Miss Hoolie and PC Plum again!

At its most popular, Balamory drew in two million viewers each week and was loved by audiences worldwide. There was even a story that Pope John Paul II himself watched it from the Vatican!

Julie, currently starring in the show ‘Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim’ alongside her husband, Greg, explained to The Mirror that her character, Miss Hoolie, represents her at her best. Miss Hoolie manages a nursery and is eager to help the children who come to her with their issues. She’s a caring and valued member of the local community.

While ‘Balamory’ is clearly set in Scotland, its setting feels universal. Viewers enjoy escaping into its charming world.

The cast also features Will Andrews, 48, as the harbourmaster, and Danielle Jam, 25, playing the role of a scientist and inventor named Ava Potts.

People in Tobermory are also really looking forward to the show coming back, as the original series brought a lot of visitors to the town.

Tobermory, famous today for its colourful buildings, has reportedly seen a 40% jump in visitors since the show aired.

Kate Morton, who leads program development for CBeebies, explained that it’s been wonderful to revive Balamory after 21 years, as the show is fondly remembered by families throughout the UK.

This new installment still captures the original series’ heart – its sense of wonder, imagination, and togetherness.

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2026-04-21 13:14